Could the Universe's Expansion be Compared to Oil on Water?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion explores the analogy of the universe's expansion to oil on water, examining the implications of such a comparison and questioning the nature of the universe's boundaries or edges. It touches on concepts of cosmology and the expansion of the universe.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes that the fabric of space resembles oil on water, suggesting that the universe started in equilibrium and is influenced by random forces, leading to the formation of structures like nebulae.
  • Another participant asserts that the universe does not have an "edge," implying that the concept of reaching the edge of expansion is flawed.
  • A different participant acknowledges the lack of an edge but questions the idea of a "furthest point of expansion," seeking to understand what might exist at such a point.
  • One participant emphasizes that there is no "furthest point of expansion," reiterating that this concept is equivalent to having an edge, and encourages further reading on the topic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally disagree on the existence of an edge or furthest point of expansion in the universe, with some asserting that such concepts are fundamentally flawed.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying levels of understanding regarding cosmological concepts, indicating a potential gap in foundational knowledge that may affect the discussion.

pilgrum90
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I'm just thinking that the fabric of space reminds me of oil on water in my kitchen sink. If the universe itself started in an equilibrium and a random force bounced into this substance just like adding your favorite dish soap to the water. the oil automatically starts to gather create eddies swirl pushing it self out to the edges... the elements of our universe pushing and pulling away from each other bunching up in some areas and creating our nebula's etc.

Now we understand that the universe is expanding but what if we could travel to the edge of this expansion what would we find? this goo of potential energy just waiting to start moving?


I just never heard of this kind of idea b4 and I thought it might be easier to explain mathematically. The closer you get to the big bang(starting disturbance) in terms of time.

OK just something for you to think about. Please feed back why it's possible or not.
 
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The universe does not have any "edge".

It would be wise to read up on this stuff so that you can ask meaningful quesions.

The FAQs in the Cosmology section are a very good place to start.
 
not edge per se but don't we see the expansion of the universe as a cone keep the model and look at it in terms of the furthest point of expansion. what would we find...
 
No, you are missing the point. There IS NO "furthest point of expansion". That's the same thing as a edge. There isn't one. Do some reading on the basics.

By the way, welcome to the forum and please don't take my statements as overly harsh. This is not really a forum for the thinskinned, and you really DO need to do some reading on the basics.
 

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